A Collaborative and Compassionate Team
Every student at Meliora is supported by a dedicated team that includes:
- Certified Special Education Teachers
- Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) assigned 1:1
- Licensed therapists and related service providers
- Behavior specialists and support staff
Our team works collaboratively with families, districts, and other stakeholders to design and implement individualized programs tailored to each student’s needs.
A Trusted Member of the Community
Meliora Academy is a school of Greenwich Education Group and part of the New Story network of schools and services.
Together, we are committed to creating environments where students with autism can build confidence, master skills, and lead fulfilling, independent lives beyond the classroom.
Leadership Team
Sean Tottenham
Chief Administrator
Prior to joining Meliora Academy, Sean Tottenham served as the Assistant Director at another state approved private special education school for eight years. During his time there, he also taught an undergraduate special education course as an adjunct professor. Before transitioning into school administration, he spent over twenty years as a special education teacher in both public and private schools. Sean holds an M.S. in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, 6th year Degree in Educational Leadership, along with several certifications in special education and educational leadership.
In his spare time, Sean enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. His hobbies include fishing, golfing, skiing, and going to the gym. He is also an avid football and baseball fan.
Stacey Long
Education Director
Stacey comes to Meliora Academy with a passion for supporting all students and their families on their important journey of learning. She previously acted as an Interim Principal and Assistant Principal for PreSchool/Elementary Aged Students and focused heavily on developing learning programs for Special Education students. Prior to being a School Administrator, she was an Instructional Coach and Elementary Classroom Teacher. She holds a BA in English, Master of Arts in Education, and 6th Year Degree in Educational Leadership. Stacey received all her degrees from Quinnipiac University. Stacey is a life-long learner and avid reader. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, three children, and dog.
Laurie Zimmerman
Lead Teacher
Laurie Zimmerman has been in the field of special education for twenty-three years. She spent seventeen years as an ABA Therapist before earning her Master's in Special Education and certification. Laurie loves baking, going for walks, and spending time with her family. She truly enjoys her daily work and finds it incredibly rewarding.
Kayla Bellanca
Lead BCBA
Kayla is the Lead Behavior Analyst at Meliora Academy. She is a graduate of Salve Regina University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018 and her Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2019. She has worked in a variety of settings including homes, clinics, and schools with children raging in ages from 2 to 22. Kayla is a passionate leader for the team, and as a Connecticut licensed Behavior Analyst is always furthering her education to provide new learning opportunities for her staff and for the children.
Kristin Losee
Lead SLP
Kristin Losee serves as the Supervisor of the Speech and Language team at Meliora Academy, where she has been a dedicated professional since 2013. With over 20 years of experience as a Connecticut-licensed and ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Kristin brings extensive expertise to her role. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Rhode Island. Additionally, she holds a Professional Educator endorsement from the Connecticut Department of Education. Kristin has specialized training in motor speech therapy, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques, and feeding interventions. She is committed to empowering students to reach their fullest potential through a multi-modal approach to communication.
Kristin Bergenty
Lead OT/PT
Kristin Bergenty is a physical therapist and also the Related Service Supervisor for PT and OT. Kristin has worked at Meliora since January 2013. Kristin received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Springfield College and later went to UNC Chapel Hill for her doctorate. Prior to Meliora, Kristin worked at CCMC as an outpatient PT and worked in the cardiopulmonary clinic and specialized in airway clearance/exercises for patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Kristin was part of the lung transplant team at UNC hospitals and the senior cardiopulmonary therapist. Kristin was also an adjunct professor at Springfield College from 2011 to 2020. One of Kristin’s favorite things is taking time to enjoy a sunset and spending time with family. When she is not doing PT, she can most likely be found at a race track, hockey rink, or lacrosse field cheering on her kids.
Dave Mahaffy
Transition Lead
David Mahaffy earned his bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University and his master's degree in special education from Grand Canyon University. He has been a part of the Meliora Academy family for over 17 years, during which he has gained extensive knowledge and experience. His tenure at Meliora has allowed him to grow in his career, serving as a special education teacher before stepping into his current role as Transition Program Manager.
In this role, David is dedicated to designing individualized programs that support students in achieving a high level of personal self-sufficiency and success within both school and the community. His goal is to help students secure post-secondary or job-related placements and become active, engaged members of their communities.
Megan Beegan, RN
Meagan Beegan is currently a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner student. She formerly worked at Lincoln Tech as a Nursing Educator, Genesis HealthCare as a Nurse Practice Educator and Yale New Haven as an Ed Technician/RN. Megan was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, National Guard for several years. Megan enjoys yoga and meditation and loves nature including going to the beach and hiking.
Tasha Rivera, LPN
Tasha Rivera has dedicated over 11 years to the nursing profession, with the past 10 years focused on supporting medically challenged students at Meliora Academy. She began her medical career as a Certified Nurse Assistant before advancing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) after earning her certification from Porter and Chester Institute. Her journey at Meliora started through a temp agency, providing one-on-one care to a complex medical student. Over time, she expanded her role to assist the school RN in managing a variety of complex medical needs, including seizure disorders, gastroenterology issues (such as G-Tube feedings), PICA, ADHD, and behavioral health challenges. She remains dedicated to delivering compassionate and individualized care to each child.
Outside of work, Tasha enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband of 30 years, her beloved stepdaughter, and her four grandchildren. In her free time, she loves decorating her home, bringing a personal touch to every space.
Therapeutic Providers
Our licensed therapists and related service providers deliver individualized supports in speech, occupational therapy, and behavior. Working alongside teachers, RBTs, and families, they help students build communication, motor, and social-emotional skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Teachers
Our certified special education teachers lead instruction and design engaging lessons tailored to each student’s learning style. Partnering with RBTs and therapeutic providers, they create a collaborative environment that promotes growth, independence, and confidence.
Transition Team
The transition team focuses on preparing students for life beyond school. Through collaboration with families and districts, they guide students in developing vocational, community, and daily living skills to support independence and future success.
Nursing Staff
Our nursing staff ensures the health and well-being of every student. They provide daily care, monitor medical needs, and work closely with families and districts to keep students safe and supported throughout the school day.
Facilities/IT
The Facilities and IT team maintains a safe, welcoming campus and provides the technology tools that enhance learning. Their work ensures that students, teachers, and therapists have the resources needed to thrive each day.
Administrative Support
Our administrative support team keeps the school running smoothly. From coordinating communication to supporting families and staff, they ensure that individualized programs are well-organized and that collaboration with districts and stakeholders is seamless.